WHEN Joshua Pacio steps into the cage to challenge Yoshitaka Naito anew for the One Championship strawweight title on Saturday, it’s going to be more than just getting the belt.
Pacio looks to give storm-ravaged Cordillera a lift as he fights for his hometown which took the brunt of the wrath of Typhoon Ompong.
“Of course, we want to win our bouts on Saturday. We dedicate this to the people of the Cordilleras,” said who enters the match with a 12-2 record.
“Ang panalo namin ay makatulong para ma-uplift ang spirits nila sa napakahirap na panahon na ito. After our bouts, lahat kami sa Team Lakay, hindi lang kami ni Danny (Kingad), ay willing to help sa mga relief efforts,” he added.
The 22-year-old slugger is coming off a submission victory over Pongsiri Mitsatit through what he called the ‘Passion Lock.’
This isn’t the same Pacio from two years ago which almost took the crown from Naito, and he vows to bring the fight to the master Japanese tactician this time around. He is also thankful that the storm didn’t affect the preparation for Naito as they’ve just recently finished camp when the storm hit.
“Safe naman kami. May ilang teammates kami na tinamaan, tulad nila coach Geje (Eustaquio). Pero di naman gaano kalala. Thankful kami at di naapektuhan karamihan sa amin,” said Pacio.
“Thankful din at patapos na ang training camp nang mangyari ito. In terms of training, hindi naman. Kasi gumagawa naman kami ng paraan para makaensayo.”
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